In what is now the record for the highest scoreline at the Women’s World Cup, three North Carolina Courage players played the full 90 minutes as the USWNT put thirteen goals past Thailand. Abby Dahlkemper and Crystal Dunn helped the USWNT keep a clean sheet while Sam Mewis registered two goals during her first appearance ever at a World Cup.

Mewis puts the USWNT in a commanding lead

Sam Mewis scored the first goal of the second half in the 50th minute of the match after she was found in space by Megan Rapinoe. Mewis then turned inside before firing a shot that the goalkeeper had no chance of saving.

Mewis’ night was not done as she got her second goal four minutes later. The Courage midfielder was the first to the rebound after Rose Lavelle’s shot had been blocked and had an easy tap in for her brace. Mewis then turned creator two minutes later, finding Lavelle making a late run into the penalty area for the USWNT’s seventh of the match.

Dahlkemper and Dunn put in steady performances in the backline

Although they did not have to defend much in their World Cup debuts, both Abby Dahlkemper and Crystal Dunn will be happy with making sure that goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had minimal work to do. Dahlkemper stayed mostly in her own half as the rest of the nine outfield players got forward at every opportunity but she was quick to cut out any breaks Thailand created. Dunn was instrumental in not only keeping the width for the USWNT but also giving them another option down the left flank. She combined well with Rapinoe and Mewis as the USWNT put in a performance worthy of reigning champions.

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The win puts the USWNT on top of Group F after one game and has given them a great start to the tournament. Their next opponent will be Chile and all three who played today are likely to start that match too.

Note: Jessica McDonald did not come off the bench but will probably see some game time in the coming days.